Washington, DC Pedestrian Laws

Washington, DC is a bustling city. Cars line the city streets and pedestrians are packed from one block to the next. On most days, the two co-exist in harmony, but sometimes, the unthinkable happens, and a pedestrian is hit by a car in Washington, DC. If this happens to you, you’ll need a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer to handle your case.

DC Pedestrian Accidents

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015 saw more than 5,000 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in the United States. During that same year, walkers receiving emergency room treatment for injuries came in at nearly 129,000. Pedestrian accident lawyers were busy handling many of those cases that ended with a favorable outcome for the victim.

These incidents are more likely to happen in urban areas because of the high concentration of cars and pedestrians in one specific area, like downtown Washington, DC. It is imperative that these pedestrians don’t merely let their cases go… they need to retain the services of a Washington, DC pedestrian accident lawyer to make sure paying for their injuries doesn’t come out of their pocket.

Prime example: Less than one month ago, in April 2018, a car jumped a sidewalk in downtown Washington, DC. Four people were seriously injured in that accident.

A recent article in The Washington Post revealed that the intersection at North Capitol and H Street, in NE DC is one of the biggest culprits. Stats show that three pedestrians are hit in that intersection every year, most times when in the crosswalks.

Other high-risk areas for vehicle-related pedestrian injuries in Washington, DC include Columbia Heights, Dupont Circle, and more specifically, Minnesota Avenue NE and Benning Road. Areas with metro stations nearby are also more likely to have pedestrian accidents.

These accidents can involve life-threatening injuries and the driver of the vehicle who hit them need to be held responsible. If you are the pedestrian victim, you can make sure this happens by getting a Washington, DC pedestrian accident lawyer. Your personal injury lawyer will work to make sure you are adequately compensated for your injuries.

DC Crosswalk Laws in Washington, DC

Look at every big and small intersection in downtown Washington, DC and you’ll see a trend: crosswalks are commonplace, as are the lit-up “walk” and “do not walk” signs attached to each traffic signal.

The rules state that all pedestrians must cross the street within a crosswalk and if they cross outside the crosswalk (i.e., in the middle of the block), the must yield the right of way to the other drivers.

Cars have crosswalk rules to follow as well. If you decide to inch your vehicle into a crosswalk while you wait for the light to turn green, you could very well get a ticket, or worse, find yourself in an accident. If a pedestrian has begun walking in a crosswalk, stop and give them the right of way. Failure to do so can not only result in a fine but could also cause an accident.

Beyond crosswalks, when in alleys or parking lots, drivers are also required to yield to pedestrians on sidewalks.

What if You Are a Pedestrian Hit by A Car in Washington, DC

If you or a loved one has been in hit by a car in Washington, DC, you need to reach out to The Lapidus Law Firm. Four decades of defending pedestrian car accident cases in Washington, DC, and Maryland mean you’ll have a seasoned pedestrian accident lawyer on your side to guide you through the legal process.

Call personal injury attorney Larry Lapidus today for a free consultation at (202) 785-5111. Pedestrian laws in DC are in place to keep you safe, and that should never be compromised. If you are a Washington, DC pedestrian hit by a car, call the Lapidus Law Firm today.